Keeping Fit and Historically Aware at Ysleta Mission

Before the run

Last autumn the Conventual Franciscan-run Ysleta Mission in El Paso, Texas – with Friar Charles McCarthy as pastor – held its first Annual Ysleta Mission Walk, Run, and Health Fair.

A beautiful day to see the historic Ysleta Mission area

The event had several motivating factors behind it. The first was to create more of a historical awareness in the minds of parishioners. Created in 1682, Ysleta Mission has been providing pastoral care and a sense of community for countless people in its more than three centuries of existence. Its role is one of historical importance in the history of Texas and also the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

Promotion of health and fitness was obviously the other motivating source behind the first ever mission walk/run. A healthy, active lifestyle connects directly to one’s level of energy. And more energy certainly makes for a more vibrant active communal life in Ysleta Mission.

Exhausted runners take a well deserved break

(Source of all photos on the homepage and webpage: ysletamission.org.)